Vitamin B-6 consists of: Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal, and Pyridoxamine,
and their phosphate esters. The metabolically active coenzyme form of Vitamin
B-6 is Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate. Animal studies have shown that Vitamin B-6 depletion
leads to the development of hypertension, which is normalized within 24 hours
by repletion with the vitamin. Vitamin B-6 deficiency is reported in as many as
79 percent of people with depression (compared to only 29 percent of other people).
It appears that a Vitamin B-6 deficiency does not allow nerve cells to manufacture
adequate amounts of serotonin and other chemicals critical to the proper functioning
of the nervous system; this may result in insomnia, depression, irritability,
and nervousness. Vitamin B-6 deficiency can disrupt formation of neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B-6 is a co-enzyme needed for conversion of tryptophan to serotonin and
phenylalanine and tyrosine to norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are integrally
related to depression. Vitamin B-6 supplementation often improves moods.
Folic Acid is a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the B-complex
family. B vitamins work best together as a team, which is why it is generally
recommended that we take a B-complex supplement, rather than individual B vitamins.
In a recently published double blind study 127 patients with major depression
were treated with Prozac and either a placebo or 500 mcg per day of folic acid.
There was a significantly greater improvement in the folic acid group than in
the placebo group. Research further indicates that folic acid may contribute
to better sperm count and quality and therefore may help men father healthier
babies.
Graffonia Seed Extract (Griffonia simplicifolia) (5-Hydroxytryptophan
or 5-HTP) is an extract of seeds from a natural plant found in costal
West Africa. 5-HTP is the direct metabolic precursor of serotonin and is important
for the production of melatonin. Serotonin is an important brain chemical involved
in mood, behavior, appetite, and sleep. 5-HTP is a natural supplement that converts
in the brain into serotonin. This is done without monoamine oxidase inhibition
(MAOI) and without the serious side effects of other antidepressant drugs such
as Prozac and Zoloft, which belong to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs influence serotonin levels by blocking
its inactivation, which increases serotonin levels indirectly, causing a cellular
deficiency. Unlike the drugs listed above, serotonin from Griffon is not chemically
held at receptor sites where it can accumulate and cause side effects. The excess
is broken down and eliminated. Increasing serotonin levels with natural herbal
products like Graffiti mimic the effects of SSRI's without adverse side effects.
Important byproducts most commonly associated with SSRI's are delayed ejaculation
and delayed orgasm. Sexual desire (libido) and arousal difficulties are sometimes
reported, however, the specific association to SSRI use has not been consistently
shown.
Passiflora (Passion flower) has traditionally been used to
treat nervous restlessness and gastrointestinal spasms. In short, the effects
of passion flower were believed to be primarily on the nervous system, particularly
for anxiety due to mental worry and overwork. For many years, plant researchers
believed that a group of harmane alkaloids were the active constituents in passion
flower. Recent studies, however, have pointed to the flavonoids in passion flower
as the primary constituents responsible for its relaxing and anti-anxiety effects.
European pharmacopoeias typically recommend passion flower products primarily
as an anti-anxiety treatment.
Kava Kava ( Piper methysticum) preparations are approved in
several European countries for the treatment of nervous anxiety and restlessness
Studies have reported that kava preparations compare favorably to benzodiazepines
in controlling symptoms of anxiety and minor depression, while increasing vigilance,
sociability, memory and reaction time. Clinical studies show that the kava is
effective in reducing stress, anxiety and tension. Anxiety is a major contributing
factor to some forms of premature ejaculation. The extract of Passiflora in
a supporting base of Kava Kava produces anti-anxiety effects that do not cause
sedation.
References:
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Ther 1996; 22(2): 85-96, Summer 1996.
Byerley WF, Judd LL, Reimherr FW, Grosser BI. L-5-HTP: A review of its antidepressant
efficacy and adverse effects . J Clin Psychopharmacol; 7:127-37, 1987.
Dakshinamurti K, Lal KJ. Vitamins and hypertension. World Rev Nutr Diet; 69:40-73,
1992
Gaby, Alan R. Can depressed people benefit from folic acid supplementation?
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, January 1, 2001.
Leklem JE. Vitamin B6: a status report. J Nutr; 120:1503-1507, 1990.
Lynn M. Warlock, PhD Folic acid may affect sperm quality, count. Urology Times;
May, 2001.
McMahon CG; Somali R. Pharmacological treatment of premature ejaculation. Curr
Opin Urol; 9(6): 553-61, Nov 1999.
Meier B. Passiflora incarnata L.-Passion flower: Portrait of a medicinal plant.
Zeitschrift Phytother; 16:115-26, 1995.
Merrill AH Jr, Henderson JM. Vitamin B6 metabolism by human liven Ann N Y Acad
Sci; 585:110-117, 1990.
Muller B. Comoro R. Treatment with Kava Kava- the root to combat stress, Wein
Med Wochenschr; 149(8-10); 197-201, 1999.
Oka T. Vitamin B6. Nippon Rinsho; 57:2199-2204, 1999. [Article in Japanese]
Paick HS. Jeong H. Park MS. Penile sensitivity in men with premature ejaculation.
Int J Import Res: 10(4): 247-50, Dec 1998.
Poldinger W, Calanchini B, Schwarz W. A functional-dimensional approach to
depression: Serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan
and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology ; 24:53-81, 1991.
Rosen RC; Lane RM; Menza M. Effects of SSRI's on sexual function: a critical
review. J Clin Psychopharmacol; 19(1): 67-85, Feb 1999.
Seo KK; Kim SC; Lee MY. Comparison of peripheral inhibitory effects of clomipramine
with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors on contraction of vas deferens:
in vitro and in vivo studies. J Urol; 165(6 Pt 1): 2110-4, Jun 2001.
Volz HP. Kieser M. Kava Kava extract WS 1490 versus placebo in anxiety disorders-a
randomized placebo-controlled 25 -week outpatient trial. Pharmacopsychiatry;
30(1): 1-5, Jan 1997.
Waldinger MD; Berendsen HH; Blok BF; Olivier B; Holstege G. Premature ejaculation
and serotonergic antidepressants-induced delayed ejaculation: the involvement
of the serotonergic system. Behav Brain Res; 92(2): 111-8, May 1998.
Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press,
363-65, 1994.
Xin ZC; Choi YD; Rha KH; Choi HK.Somatosensory evoked potentials in patients
with primary premature ejaculation. J Urol; 158(2): 451-5, Aug 1997.
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